The Wonderful World of Essential Oils – Immunity, Food and Mood

Smelling Great! Feeling Better!

Essential oils not only smell fantastic, they also possess the ability to boost your mood, as well as, fight bacteria, viruses and fungus. They are extracted from flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots and trees. Essential oils have been used for centuries as medicine, natural food additives, and in cosmetic and skin care production.

Essential oil as medicine

There are many essential oils that, when properly administered, act as all natural medicines. Oregano oil, for example, is a very effective, all-natural antibiotic. When compared to pharmaceutical antibiotics, oregano oil has been shown to be as effective at fighting infections, without the common side effects of pharmaceuticals. One problem associated with pharmaceutical antibiotics is that they can cause antibiotic resistance. Using oregano oil doesn’t cause antibiotic resistance, and actually does much to improve the immune system. Using oregano oil, at the first sign of an infection, can save a person from a doctor’s visit, time off of work, and the pain and distress of a prolonged illness.

Clove essential oil is another oil that can be very valuable in the medicine cabinet. It is antibiotic, antiseptic, and antiviral. For centuries, people have used clove oil to help relieve dental pain. It is a very effective treatment for a toothache, and would also be beneficial to overall health when used as a mouthwash or in oil pulling.

Copaiba essential oil is a less familiar oil, but has many health benefits. It has greater anti-inflammatory power than any other essential oil. It has been shown to have more anti-inflammatory action than ibuprofen and cortisone. Because it’s such a powerful anti-inflammatory, it works well for pain. People suffering from conditions caused by inflammation, such as arthritis, would benefit greatly from adding copaiba oil to their medicine cabinet.

Essential oil as food

If you look at the ingredient lists on most pre-packaged foods, you’ll see many chemical ingredients, such as artificial flavorings. Baking your own food with essential oils would prove to be a much healthier choice than consuming these pre-packaged foods. Many essential oils make wonderful additions to recipes. Peppermint or spearmint essential oil added to melted chocolate, makes a wonderfully pleasant chocolate mint. The citrus essential oils, such as, lemon, orange, lime and grapefruit, make great additions to chicken, fish and rice dishes, as well as, desserts. Spicy essential oils, such as, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, are great to add to desserts and drinks. There are so many options when it comes to flavoring with essential oils. The most important thing to remember when it comes to using essential oils that you will ingest, is that you must purchase quality oils that have not been chemically treated.

Essential oil as mood booster

There are many essential oils proven to give a boost in mood and help to treat depression and anxiety. They contain molecules that cross the blood/brain barrier, and in some cases, can be more effective than antidepressant medication. Some great oils to try for a boost in mood are:

bergamot

grapefruit

geranium

lemon

palmarosa

ylang ylang

rosewood

This is only a small list. There are many more oils that are beneficial to the mind and mood, and since these oils are also antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infectious in nature, using them would be giving your whole body a boost.

Quality of essential oils

When looking to purchase essential oils, it’s important to know the difference between pure, therapeutic quality essential oils, and fragrance oils. Fragrance oils are chemically altered and are used for the purpose of perfume. They aren’t therapeutic and will not give the same medicinal or mood boosting results. Pure, therapeutic essential oils are natural oils extracted directly from plants without being chemically altered. It’s also important to verify that the essential oils you are purchasing haven’t been extracted chemically. Look for pure, steam-distilled essential oils that are therapeutic quality.

Methods of using essential oils

There are various methods of obtaining the benefits that essential oils offer. A great way to get essential oil benefits for the skin would be to properly dilute your essential oil in a carrier oil, such as almond oil or coconut oil, and then apply topically. A few essential oils, such as lavender, may be applied full strength, without a carrier oil. But the majority of essential oils need to be properly diluted before applying to the skin.

Another wonderful and relaxing method of enjoying the benefits of essential oil would be to add a few drops to bath water and enjoy a long soak. The oils will be entering your body in various way while you bathe.

Diffusing the oils throughout your home is another way to receive the health benefits of essential oils. Essential oil diffusers are made for this purpose. This method will aid in the prevention of illness and will also provide mood boosting effects throughout your home.

Cooking with essential oils to aid in flavoring and prevention of illness is another method of using these valuable oils. It not only will provide protection against bacteria and viruses, but will also make cooking more enjoyable and creative.

Making your own cleaning products with essential oils is another good option to receive their benefits. Using baking soda, vinegar, natural soaps and essential oils will help to clean your living environment of the toxins found in many cleaning agents. Adding some of the mood boosting essential oils in your cleaning products will also make the job more enjoyable.

Using essential oils is one way to make life more enjoyable. Essential oils provide a way to improve your immune system and boost your resistance to germs. There are so many ways to add essential oils into your daily routine that it’s well worth the time and the investment to make them a part of your daily life. When considering the cost of essential oils compared to the cost of medical care for illness, essential oils, are without a doubt, the much better option.

Yogasync Me! When the body is working hard to eliminate toxins, give it a treat with restorative yoga, and support your liver in doing it’s job. This sequence is especially designed for you:

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About Vanessa Jackson

Vanessa Jackson is a full-time home-school mom with a B.A. in English and a passion for nutrition and natural wellness. She and her husband live in the country in Mississippi with their 3 children, ages: 18, 11, and 8. She has spent many years researching natural ways to improve health and quality of life through naturopathy, herbal medicine and essential oils. She also produces and sells natural skin care products through her home-based business. You can investigate and purchase her products here: www.etsy.com/shop/soapboxnaturals.